By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Reports circulating within Rivers State’s political space suggest that the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has stepped down from an alleged plan to contest in the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary scheduled for Saturday, May 21.
The development, which has not been independently confirmed by APC leadership or the Rivers State Government at the time of filing this report, is already generating intense political reactions across party lines and social media platforms.
According to the circulating report, Governor Fubara was said to have made the decision after what was described as consultations with key political stakeholders, party leaders, and close family members. He was also quoted in the report as stressing that his primary concern remains the stability, peace, and development of Rivers State rather than political rivalry or party contestation.
“He believes that sustaining peace within the political structure of Rivers State and ensuring continued progress for the people of the state is more important than any personal political ambition,” the report claimed.
READ ALSO:Arsenal ‘Curse’ Sermon Backfires as Pastor Mocked Online
However, no official statement has been released by the Rivers State Government or the APC confirming that the governor was formally part of the APC primary race in the first place, raising questions about the authenticity and political framing of the development.
Political observers note that the story, if confirmed, could significantly reshape ongoing alignments within Rivers State politics, especially given the already tense political atmosphere in the state in recent months. Others argue that the report may reflect wider reconciliation efforts among political actors seeking to reduce tensions ahead of future electoral cycles.
As of press time, APC officials in Rivers State have not issued any statement regarding the alleged withdrawal, nor have they confirmed the list of cleared aspirants for the upcoming gubernatorial primary.
Meanwhile, supporters of different political blocs in the state continue to express mixed reactions online, with some interpreting the development as a move toward peace-building, while others describe it as politically misleading or premature.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the situation remains fluid, and further clarification is expected from both the Rivers State Government and the APC leadership in the coming hours.
This is a developing story.
